The Academy recognises that medical education is distinct from teaching in higher education in general because of the central place that patient care occupies not only in teaching and learning but also in assessment and feedback, and in quality assurance.
In September 2021 the Academy launched the fourth edition of the Professional Standards for Medical Educators
The Academy’s Professional Standards Framework makes explicit the values, skills, knowledge, and practical capabilities required of those engaged in medical education. and has been developed in wide consultation with the international community of professional medical educators.
The Standards framework is outcome-based and generic in nature. The Standards are designed to be inclusive, empowering, and relevant to all clinical and non-clinical medical, dental & veterinary educators, irrespective of role.
“Medical education has become increasingly important over the fifteen-year history of our Academy, and we felt that it was timely and appropriate to review, update and augment our Standards to reflect the professionalisation of medical educators across the United Kingdom and internationally. Our Standards have always been the cornerstone of our activity ensuring that those who are responsible for the education of doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons and physician associates are able to achieve excellence, thus contributing to high quality patient care.” Professor Jacky Hayden CBE, HonFAcadMEd, AoME President said
Previous editions of the Standards have been adopted by the General Medical Council (GMC) to set expectations of all medical trainers holding recognised positions. This edition has built on the first and second editions, using the strong evidence base of AoME’s four core values and five domains; it includes an additional fourth level to reflect the growing number of senior educators who hold educational leadership positions, influencing the education of health and social care practitioners as well as veterinary surgeons. This edition was developed after wide consultation across AoME’s membership and with key strategic organisations and individuals responsible for the education of doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons, and physician associates. The Academy is confident that these Standards represent an authoritative consensus statement on the values, knowledge and behaviours that can be expected of a medical educator.
The Academy uses the Standards to assess applications for Membership and Fellowship; they will also form the framework for a new category of Principal Fellowship which will recognise excellence in educational leadership. We are proud of the number of educators who have already measured themselves against previous editions and have joined the Academy. The Standards can also be used in job planning, appraisal, and as a framework for professional development. The Academy anticipates that the addition of a fourth level will encourage their use in supporting and developing those who hold, or aspire to hold, educational leadership positions.
Download a PDF copy of the Standards here.